Studies show that there is a high rate of alcoholism in the legal profession, particularly lawyers [1].
Of course, the implications of this are very important to acknowledge. Not only are individuals who become dependent on alcohol at risk of harming their physical and psychological wellbeing, but the effects of addiction can disrupt their role in the judicial system.
For this reason, it is essential to understand why the legal professions see such high rates of alcoholism, what the potential effects are, and how those who are struggling can get support.
Why alcoholism in the legal profession so prevalent?
When looking into any issue relating to alcoholism and dependency, it is important to first assess why the problem is so prominent.
Although there is no way to explain every case of alcoholism that develops in the legal profession, there are a few reasons that look to suggest why it is such a common problem.
A way to connect
Like with any other profession, lawyers have ways of connecting and bonding with their peers. One popular method for colleagues to create dependable relationships and celebrate milestones is to drink together.
While this reason does not explain dependency, it is well known within the field of addiction recovery that addiction can only develop when individuals are exposed to alcohol on a regular basis and have frequent opportunities to misuse it [2].
If an individual is regularly drinking after work or sees drinking as a way to reward themselves, the capacity for dependency to develop is increased.
At OK Rehab, we offer free advice from a team of non-judgemental professionals, many of whom are in recovery and understand how hard it can be to change your relationship with addiction.
To find out more about alcoholism in the legal profession, simply reach out to our 24/7, confidential hotline on 0800 326 5559.
Coping with stress
It is no secret that lawyers lead very busy and stressful lives. They are responsible for carrying out a lot of reading, document checking, and court case preparations.
They equally need to work with clients who can vary in cooperativeness, all while respecting the laws and regulations surrounding legal practice.
Of course, these things can mount up, and it is common for individuals working within these conditions to seek some form of relief to relax or calm themselves. Unfortunately, a readily available method of doing this is to consume alcohol.
When alcohol is consumed as a way to relax, its consumption can start influencing the workings of the brain, forcing it to perceive alcohol as a way to gain pleasure and serenity, which ultimately leads to the formation of dependencies.
Poor mental health
Addiction often develops in tandem with other mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. This is known as dual diagnosis, and the presence and severity of an individual’s mental health troubles can influence their addiction potential.
Due to the pressures that come with working within the detail-oriented occupation of law and order, individuals can experience intense periods of stress as a result of their work, exacerbating any mental health troubles they experience.
These feelings can then trigger alcohol use as a means of coping, a behaviour trait which pushes individuals into depending on these substances in order to maintain their composure and remain calm.
The impact of alcoholism in the legal profession
Developing alcoholism is incredibly serious, and the impact that it can have on both an individual’s personal and professional life are among the most severe in the field of addiction.
The effects on the individual
Alcohol is one of the few substances that causes physical dependency, and this means that its misuse can have serious implications on the body [3]:
- Alcohol can disrupt the brain’s usual functioning, triggering mood swings and behaviour patterns
- Excessive drinking can impact the heart, causing high blood pressure and cardiac complications
- The liver takes a big hit when alcoholism develops, experiencing inflammation and sometimes complete failure
- Alcohol can increase the chances of developing several types of cancer, including that of the liver and oesophagus
But alcohol does not only impact the physical self. The act of fuelling an addiction can have an immense impact on mental and emotional wellbeing. Alcohol is a depressant, meaning that feelings like anxiousness, sadness, and guilt can be strongly exacerbated.
Additionally, the money required to pay for alcohol on such a consistent basis can lead to financial problems that can be felt by entire families and households. Close family and friends in particular can feel the monetary and emotional repercussions of this behaviour.
At OK Rehab, we offer free advice from a team of non-judgemental professionals, many of whom are in recovery and understand how hard it can be to change your relationship with addiction.
To find out more about alcoholism in the legal profession, simply reach out to our 24/7, confidential hotline on 0800 326 5559.
The effects on the profession
While the wellbeing of the individual is the most immediate concern, it must also be noted how alcoholism within the legal profession can create problems in workers’ professional lives.
The role of lawyers depends on skill, consistency, and commitment, and excessive alcohol consumption can threaten each of these principles.
Financial implications
Law firms are tightly run organisations, and the professional conduct of each lawyer they employ is closely linked with the success and sustainability of its practice.
Alcohol is a substance that severely inhibits an individual’s ability to concentrate and perform to the best of their ability. Such effects will inevitably lead to mistakes, and mistakes will lead to lost business and financial hurt for a firm.
Lower productivity
Due to the physical impact that alcohol has on those who consume it, it is reasonable to expect them to not be able to commit to routines and schedule in the way they could when sober.
Drinking alcohol will ultimately lead to lower productivity when in the office, and dealing with hangovers can result in frequent absences.
Such behaviour can lead to social tensions in the workplace, and an employer may choose to let an individual go if they are not able to perform.
How can legal professionals get support?
The impacts of alcoholism outlined above can seriously affect an individual’s health and career, so it is important to address how those struggling with alcoholism can get support.
Alcohol dependency rehab
The most effective method of tackling addiction is rehab, a process which involves an individual entering a facility for a programme of physical and psychological treatment.
Detox is the primary method of treatment. This involves individuals suspending their alcohol consumption with the supervision and support of medical professionals.
This process is usually eased by the provision of benzodiazepines which ease withdrawal and make it easier for the body to cope without alcohol.
Following on from this initial support, the remaining time in rehab is spent in therapy, allowing individuals to work through the underlying causes and triggers of their dependency.
For those working in the legal profession, this therapy will likely focus on their professional lives, identifying situations and routines that encourage their alcohol consumption and assisting with the practice of alternative coping strategies.
A range of therapy activities can be put to use during this phase of rehab, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and group therapy.
Outpatient support
If an individual is not able to engage with full-time rehab, they also have the option of utilising outpatient care. This method allows for support and guidance to be offered, but via regular meetings with an addiction specialist rather than continuous treatment.
With this option, individuals can conduct a much more flexible level of treatment, receiving treatment while not losing any of their day-to-day freedoms.
It must be noted, however, that outpatient care can only be used for those with less severe addictions and manageable symptoms. If an individual cannot look after themselves or is a risk to others because of their symptoms, they must go into rehab.
At OK Rehab, we offer free advice from a team of non-judgemental professionals, many of whom are in recovery and understand how hard it can be to change your relationship with addiction.
To find out more about alcoholism in the legal profession, simply reach out to our 24/7, confidential hotline on 0800 326 5559.
Getting support from OK Rehab
If you are currently working within a legal profession and are struggling with your alcohol consumption, don’t suffer in silence. Struggling with alcoholism in the legal profession can severely affect both your wellbeing and career.
There are many treatment options out there for those who struggle with alcoholism. Rehab facilities and alternative treatment options are available.
If you are concerned or want some support in getting the treatment process started, or you have fears about someone you care about, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
At OK Rehab, we offer free advice from a team of non-judgemental professionals, many of whom are in recovery and understand how hard it can be to change your relationship with addiction.
To find out more about alcoholism in the legal profession, simply reach out to our 24/7, confidential hotline on 0800 326 5559.
References
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4736291/
[2] https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
[3] https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohols-effects-body
